The park was built in the late 19th and early 20th century. Its construction was an initiative of the Groningen-born industrialist Jan Evert Scholten. In 1931 a memorial was placed in a prominent place in the park, on the Avenue de Concours. The park was designed by the landscape architect Leonard Springer, together with the municipal works director of Groningen, Jan Anthony Mulock Houwer.

The official opening of the central pavilion of the City Park took place on 19 May 1926, marking the completion of the thirteen-year construction of the park.

The park consists of several components. At the entrance to the park, the Paterswoldseweg is an Arboretum. The construction of the western ring road separates this section from the main part of the park.

A main part for the city of Groningen is the racecourse, where horse races are held periodically. The space is also used for various events, including celebrations to commemorate the Siege of Groningen. It has also served as a venue for popular events such as performances by the Rolling Stones and Tina Turner.